Angeles City—Three Nigerians believed to be members of an international drug ring were arrested by local drug enforcement unit following a buy-bust operation along Camia Road, Barangay Cutcut here Friday.
Police Colonel Rommel Batangan, director of the Angeles City Police Office (ACPO), identified the suspects as Harrison Steve, alias Eke, 43; Christian Uwadiegwu, alias Chuk, 27 and Caleb Njemonze, alias Caleb, 28, all temporarily staying at Diamond Subdivision, Bgy. Balibago in this city.
Steve is into dealership of second hand cars with business address at Bgy. Mabiga, Mabalacat City, according to a police report.
Batangan said the suspects have been placed under surveillance by government agents after they were named by residents in the community as the alleged source of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu).
Apart from illegal drug trafficking, Batangan said the group is also engaged in gunrunning and other forms of unlawful activities. He said the suspects belong to the dreaded “Mr. Izo Drug Group” an organized crime gang operating in Angeles City and nearby Mabalacat City.
The trio, police said had been staying in this city for quite a long time. In fact one of them established a car dealership business.
The suspects were arrested under the “COPLAN SnoopDog”, a joint operations carried out by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and other police units including ACPO following reports on their alleged involvement in illegal drugs trafficking.
Seized from the group includes 11 pieces of sachets carrying shabu and weighing 25 grams with P170,000 estimated street value and 35 grams of dried marijuana worth P3,850.00 from their possession.
The arresting team also recovered a Toyota Camry (RMY 522), a caliber 38 revolver seven units of cellular phones of different brands, and make, passport, and wallet carrying two identification cards and ATM cards.
The suspects were brought to Camp Olivas, the regional headquarters in Central Luzon for further investigation.
Charges of violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are being readied against the suspects.